I was devastated that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was devastated that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong emotional reaction to a disappointing or upsetting event or situation. Example: "I was devastated that my best friend moved away without telling me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I was devastated that a woman I loved was threatened with imminent death.

The New York Times - Magazine

"So, like everyone else who knew him, I was devastated that we were going to lose him.

The Guardian - Film

"I can't say that I was devastated that neither called me back," Couric admitted.

Huffington Post

I was devastated that I had lost the love of my life through a series of events that could have been prevented, thus saving our relationship.

Huffington Post

On one hand, I was devastated that my true feelings had been so obvious, but I was also relieved to be seen (finally) for who I truly was.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Ms Bowett added: "I am devastated that such a thing could happen.

Independent

I am devastated that this has happened, and that I have let you down.

The Guardian

"I am devastated that our members' trust has been so publicly betrayed," Hopley said.

The Guardian - Sport

Wallis said in a statement: "I am devastated that more than three years after my initial arrest, this has been brought against me.

Independent

I have worked long and hard to try to reduce my debts, and I am devastated that it came to this conclusion.

The Guardian - Money

"I'm devastated that the team don't trust me to the job as I've always done," an audibly upset Millar told the Guardian.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was devastated that", ensure that the reason for your devastation is clearly stated to provide context and emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "I was devastated that" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish the impact. Consider using synonyms like "heartbroken", "crushed", or "dismayed" to vary your expression of disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was devastated that" functions as a statement expressing a strong emotional reaction, specifically deep sadness or disappointment, in response to a particular event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is used to communicate the speaker's feelings about something negative.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was devastated that" is used to convey a strong feeling of sadness or disappointment in response to a specific event. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is correct and usable in written English. Although grammatically sound, it's important to use this phrase judiciously and consider synonyms to avoid overuse. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but can also appear in more formal or business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the reason for devastation is clear. To express a similar sentiment, alternatives such as "I was heartbroken that" or "I was crushed that" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was heartbroken that

Replaces "devastated" with "heartbroken", emphasizing deep sorrow and emotional pain.

I was crushed that

Uses "crushed" instead of "devastated", indicating a feeling of being overwhelmed and defeated.

I was shattered that

Substitutes "devastated" with "shattered", highlighting the feeling of being broken into pieces emotionally.

I was dismayed that

Replaces "devastated" with "dismayed", expressing disappointment and concern.

It broke my heart that

Alters the structure to emphasize the emotional impact on the speaker's heart.

I felt destroyed that

Replaces "devastated" with "destroyed", indicating a feeling of ruin and devastation.

I was deeply saddened that

Uses "deeply saddened" instead of "devastated", conveying a profound sense of sorrow.

It was a great blow that

Shifts the focus to the event itself being a blow, rather than the personal feeling of devastation.

I was extremely disappointed that

Replaces "devastated" with "extremely disappointed", softening the intensity of the emotion.

I was grieved that

Substitutes "devastated" with "grieved", expressing deep sorrow, especially over a loss.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I was devastated that"?

You can use alternatives like "I was heartbroken that", "I was crushed that", or "I was dismayed that", depending on the context.

How do I use "I was devastated that" in a sentence?

The phrase "I was devastated that" is followed by a clause explaining the reason for your devastation. For example, "I was devastated that I didn't get the job".

Is it appropriate to use "I was devastated that" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I was devastated that" may be too emotionally charged for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral language, such as "I was disappointed that", if a less intense tone is desired.

What's the difference between "I was devastated that" and "I was disappointed that"?

"I was devastated that" expresses a much stronger negative emotion than "I was disappointed that". Devastation implies a feeling of being overwhelmed and deeply saddened, while disappointment suggests a milder sense of dissatisfaction.